Description
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, cheesy delight that evokes childhood nostalgia. This easy-to-make dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this mac and cheese recipe promises to impress everyone with its mouthwatering flavors and inviting aroma. Get ready to create a dish that transforms any occasion into a celebration!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for about 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously. Stir in cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Return drained pasta to the pot and mix in the cheese sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko mixed with melted butter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg